TOPIC: Promotion Notion

We tried an experiment at our local theater. For a week we booked local acts from around the area to perform before our shows. We had comedy acts,musical acts, and short skits. I think it went over well. Has anyone else ever tried this little experiment? We didn't charge any more, but we a larger crowd.

WE did this a few years back but it was only connected to a certain films promotion. We had a Ball room dancing school before "Out To Sea." Stuff like that but have never tried just acts before the show. It is kind of like vaudville and a movie.INteresting concept it's one I will think about.

Yes, we use to do that and it WAS called vaudeville. Then the depression came and that was the end of that.

Since we have this stage with a flyloft filled with painted backdrops, various curtains, an orchestra pit with a piano and music stands plus a WurliTzer organ, a basement full of dressing rooms and a green room as well, we continue to utilize that space to produce extra income by leasing the theatre out to groups, organizations, promoters, anyone, to produce concerts, plays, video shoots, even weddings. And we still present preshow live acts on occasion, and they are vaudeville type acts... singers, comics, people with unusual abilities... all sorts of things. We also have two trooper carbon arc spots to light them with which helps to make it look professional. We also usually do not add anything to the price of a ticket when we do these acts... our intent is to give the patrons something extra that they can't get anywhere else. Let's face it... if you get an organist followed by a live act, then a cartoon, trailer, and then have the curtain close to reopen for the feature, I think that should make a positive impression on most patrons. And all that for $2.50, unless your a senior citizen, and then it's $1.50.

If that isn't enough, then they deserve whatever they get at the megaplex.

Roxy said: "If that isn't enough, then they deserve whatever they get at the megaplex."

Some theatres forget that we're in SHOW BUSINESS, and not just the concession or video game business. Do whatever it takes to make a night out at your theatre a unique and enjoyable experience. And by all means, continue to "DO FILM RIGHT" with the best in presentation quality.